The Power of Praise in Achieving Fitness Goals
Personal Trainers Should Offer Their Clients Motivation To Work Out
Nov 3, 2009
Hiring a personal trainer can be a hefty investment, but when one finds the right person, it can be just the motivation that was needed to help lose weight, build muscle and get healthy. Personal trainers should not only teach clients the proper way to work out, but also provide positive reinforcement that will motivate them to continue on their personal fitness journey.
Extrinsic Rewards of Exercise
Clients are working to improve themselves both physically and spiritually. They deserve to be rewarded. The extrinsic rewards will be in the way their clothes fit and how they look when they see themselves in the mirror. Another powerful reward is hearing how others see the lifestyle changes the client is making. Personal trainers can give this powerful reward, giving them the motivation to continue on their fitness journey.
Personal Trainers Should Offer Positive Reinforcement
Working out and eating right helps build self-confidence and a more positive self-identity. People will continue to do things that they are being praised for, especially if they feel they deserve the praise and it was offered without an ulterior motive. Continuous positive reinforcement helps them in other areas of their lives as well. Developing a positive outlook about themselves will help them tackle new challenges and bounce back more easily when things don't go their way. Purposefully encouraging others helps them get over insecurities.
Tips For Giving Praise
Tips for giving effective praise include the following:
- Be specific. Compliment them on a particular task.
- Make the praise heartfelt. Do not say anything that you don't mean.
- Get personal. Be sure you have their attention, make eye contact and use their name.
- Don't generalize. Find small things to praise.
- Praise the effort they put in or the outcomes they have achieved.
- Encourage repeat performances.
- Praise in front of others.
- There is never too much praise!
Everyone loves to get a compliment. Unfortunately, most people are not quick to give them, nor do they know how to receive them. Personal trainers should be very forthcoming with positive reinforcement for clients. They are working hard and need to enjoy their success. Every pound lost should be a victory. Every energetic burst should be a thrill. Every increase in weight or number of reps is an achievement and should be celebrated.
 |
